The York Castle Museum is located on the site of York Castle, housed in prison buildings, built in the 18th century. The castle itself was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. In the York Castle Museum interactive galleries hold thousands of historic objects that bring the past to life, ranging from recreated Jacobean dining rooms, toys through the ages, a recreated Victorian Street, prison cells and the swinging Sixties.
History & Anthropology Children Industrial heritage Local
#16 History & Anthropology in England #1 Children's museums in England #3 Industrial & heritage museums in England #1 Local museums in England #3 History & Anthropology in York #1 Children's museums in York #2 Industrial & heritage museums in York #1 Local museums in York #22 History & Anthropology in United Kingdom #1 Children's museums in United Kingdom #5 Industrial & heritage museums in United Kingdom #1 Local museums in United Kingdom #2 Children's museums in Europe #15 Industrial & heritage museums in Europe #2 Local museums in Europe
Monday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
The Eye of York, York
Sep 26, 2025 – Sep 1, 2026
Mar 22, 2019 – Mar 22, 2020
Jul 13, 2018 – Apr 28, 2019
Apr 1, 2017 – Jan 31, 2019
Jun 28, 2014 – Dec 31, 2018
York Castle Museum has 3 ratings.
York Castle Museum offers visitors an engaging journey through the social and cultural history of York and Yorkshire. Located in the heart of York, this museum is housed in former prison buildings, adding an atmospheric backdrop to its exhibits. The museum's main attraction is the recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, which allows visitors to step back in time and experience life in 19th-century York. The attention to detail in the street's shops, sounds, and even smells creates an immersive experience that many visitors find memorable.
The museum covers a wide range of topics, from York's military history to changing fashions through the ages. Exhibits on prison history, including the original cells, provide insight into the building's past. The toy collection is often highlighted as a nostalgic favorite for many visitors.
While the museum receives praise for its interactive elements and the depth of its collections, some visitors note that certain areas could benefit from updating or renovation. The layout can be confusing for some, and on busy days, the narrow Victorian street can become crowded.
The museum offers a good balance of information and entertainment, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. However, those with mobility issues should be aware that the historic nature of the building means some areas may have limited accessibility.
Overall, York Castle Museum provides a comprehensive look at York's history in an engaging and largely well-presented manner. Its central location and rich content make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in delving into the city's past.
Great place to visit as usual but found alot of the place just to dark ,I know they've got to create the correct atmosphere but I found myself having to put my torch on my phone so I could see the uneven floors a little bit more light in-between exhibits would definitely improve the the experience, on plus side felt like I was being strangled in one of the cells where people were sentenced to hanging !! Weird or what
Visited on Jul 30, 2023
We were pleasantly surprised by the York Castle Museum. It is a great museum, and we especially liked the recreated Victorian Street! The large WWI exhibit that was on display when we visted was also very well done. Great value for money, so if you are near York, definitely check out this museum!
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